RamblinLonghorn writes: ARS is reporting that the first set of GH3 downloaded songs have been revealed Included are songs by the Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver, and the boss battles that appear in the single player game. There is no official word on how soon these will appear, but seeing as how Rock Band is less than 3 weeks out, one would expect Activision to try and steal some of EA's thunder and release these songs near the middle of this month.

Will competition drive the downloadable content market? Can we expect the same pricing structure that was seen with the few Guitar Hero 2 content releases?Link to Original Source

Take Two Interactive Software stock, already reeling from the GTA IV delays, gained nearly 10% on Tuesday. Is Bioshock's critical praise and success a turning point for the embattled Take Two? How strong will Bioshock sell compared to other AAA titles set for release soon?

RamblinLonghorn writes: "Gamasutra reports that Halo 3 has recorded over one million pre-orders. Microsoft claims this as the "fastest pre-sale in video game history," and are planning a marketing blitz with companies from Pontiac to Comcast. Do you believe that this marks the defining moment for the XBox brand? Will Halo 3 be the impetus for an explosion of console sales for Microsoft?"

RamblinLonghorn writes: "According to Gamasutra, Sony is planning to discontinue the 60gb model of the PS3, focusing instead on the 80gb model packaged with MotorStorm. This follows the price cut of the 60gb model announced before E3. According to a Sony Representative, "The US are currently transitioning from the 60GB to the 80GB mode of the PlayStation 3. When stock of the 60GB model runs out it will no longer be available in the U.S."

The previously announced 80gb version, will be left as the only North American model, with the 20gb model having previously been discontinued. The question we're left with is: What was the point of the 100$ price cut?"Link to Original Source

RamblinLonghorn writes: "Microsoft announces that they are extending the warranty of all Xbox 360's to 3 years. This appears to be entirely retroactive and that "those who have already paid for such repair charges can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console repair." It seems as though Microsoft is accepting the blame for the hardware malfunctions, but it is worth noting that this warranty modification only applies in the "Red Rings of Death" situation."Link to Original Source

RamblinLonghorn writes: "EA announces that the next iteration of EA Sports titles will contain dual control schemes. Madden NFL 08, NBA Live 08 and FIFA Soccer 08 will have two separate ways to control the action, with one using only the Wiimote and the other using the Nunchuck and Wiimote in tandem.

The Family Play system will utilize only the Wii Remote and will debut in the above titles as an option before each multiplayer game, with advanced combined Wii Remote and Nunchuck controls available for experienced players.
EA says the Family Play controls will let younger and less experienced players use the remote's motion sensitive controls for "shooting, passing, snapping, and throwing" while "the console controls the rest.""Link to Original Source